Wooly hats hen yoga and an epic coastal hike – meet the brilliant supporters who’ve been raising funds (and smiles) for the BHWT this month…
Natalie’s marathon mission
Blog regular Natalie Winchurch is lacing up her trainers for the London Marathon, despite confessing that this time last year she “couldn’t run even one kilometre.” Yikes. A lifelong animal lover who now volunteers on BHWT rehoming days in Wiltshire, Natalie says her inspiration comes solely from the hens. “When training gets tough, I just think about what they’ve been through. They suffer a lot more than I do out on a run.”
Alongside marathon training, Natalie has been organising fundraising events including a chicken-themed quiz night on March 22 at the Somerford Arms (SN15 5JP). She is also hoping to host a session of “chicken yoga” with rescue animals. Fancy helping Natalie stay on course? Donate here.
Joan’s hats for hens
Up in the Scottish Highlands, supporter Joan Garven has been raising funds in a delightfully cosy way by knitting hats. It all started when she made a beanie for her grandson, then another for her husband. After posting photos on Facebook, friends began asking if she would knit one for them too. Rather than setting a price, Joan simply asked for a donation to the BHWT and people were only too happy to help.
“I enjoy knitting and thought it would be another way to help those precious wee hens,” she says. The result is a growing collection of colourful beanies, happy wearers and around £100 raised so far. Where there is wool, there is a way.
Richard’s hitting the trail
Dorset volunteer Richard Caile is turning 60 this year and marking a milestone year by taking on an extraordinary challenge: walking the entire 630 miles of the South West Coast Path over 24 consecutive days. A familiar face to many at our Dorset rehoming centre, Richard has volunteered with the BHWT for three years and says the best part of the role is “finding these lovely hens their forever homes.”
He’ll be raising funds for both the British Hen Welfare Trust and Alzheimer’s research. Carrying his own kit and walking mostly solo, Richard is one supporter who genuinely walks the walk. Support him here.
And finally… we’re counting on you, Laura
Supporter Laura Clark has come up with a cracking little fundraising idea – inviting people to guess how many eggs are in the jar featured on her JustGiving page. It is just one of many ways supporters are finding imaginative and creative ways to encourage kind-hearted animal lovers to dig deep for the hens and ultimately (ahem) shell out.
